Vagina Hurting During Sex? Here’s Why + What to Do About It

When you want to get it on and your vag is like “nah.”

There are few things more frustrating than when your lady parts don’t want to cooperate during sex. While it’s totally normal to not be in the mood for sex sometimes, other times when you *do* want to get it on, your vag starts to hurt, which can take the pleasure right out of the deed. Ugh, what’s the deal?!

First of all, pain during sex is super common: Three out of four women experience it, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some women may feel vaginal dryness, “tightness,” or even severe pain during intercourse. Other women may feel soreness or burning in their vagina or vulva afterward.

Sex can become painful because of a gynecological issue, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis. (Learn the textbook signs of endometriosis here.) Vaginal pain may also arise from lack of sexual desire or arousal. Sexual response can be affected by: